Dear Liz: I am trying to get my credit score figured out and was wondering if you have any recommendations for a credit report guru in my area? I need someone to walk me through why my score isn’t higher and to help me resolve that issue. Answer: Unfortunately, many credit repair companies are scams. Even those that are […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Care planning for ‘solo agers’
Dear Liz: My wife and I don’t have children or any relatives nearby. So far, we’re healthy and completely independent, but that won’t always be the case. Do you know of any fee-based agencies or organizations that might provide assistance with such things as arranging a caregiver if needed, or helping our executor clean out our […]
How to ace late summer and fall sales
To get the most out of summer sales, shoppers have to think ahead — sometimes way ahead. That’s because end-of-summer sales are the ideal time to stock up on hot weather items that you’ll use a year from now. “Flip-flops, bathing suits, beach towels, grills, Adirondack chairs — at the end of the season, that’s […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on seasonal housing market trends and travel credit card tips. In other news: How to survive a strike, act fast to preserve credit when a credit card issuer decides to close an account, and home hospital care is on the rise. Smart Money Podcast: Seasonal Housing Market Trends, Travel […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on student loan repayments and midyear money review. In other news: What disability lawyers to and how much they cost, women’s soccer games are way cheaper than men’s, and how can U.S. airport terminals be better. Smart Money Podcast: Student Loan Repayments and Midyear Money Review Learn how to […]
When to repair or replace your appliances
When our 17-year-old refrigerator started wheezing, I fully expected we’d need a new one. I was shocked — and frankly a little disappointed — when a repair technician fixed it for less than $200. I had to postpone my dream of a shiny French-door replacement, but our no-frills Frigidaire is still working fine eight years […]